Methods and compositions for treating gastroparesis

ABSTRACT

Compositions comprising a plurality of yeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells are characterized by their ability to treat gastroparesis in a subject (e.g., stimulating stomach contraction, reducing abnormal gastric acid and/or pepsin production), as a result of having been cultured in the presence of an alternating electric field having a specific frequency and a specific field strength. Also included are methods of making and using such compositions.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No.10/717,132, filed Nov. 18, 2003 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,979,562.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to compositions that can ameliorate or preventgastroparesis and are useful as dietary supplements (e.g., healthdrinks) or medication (e.g., pills). These compositions contain yeastcells obtainable by growth in electromagnetic fields with specificfrequencies and field strengths.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gastroparesis is a common condition. The upper portion of a humanstomach generates electrical waves that sweep across the antrum, causingthe stomach to contract, to grind food and to empty food into theintestines. Gastroparesis occurs when the rate of the electrical wavesslow and the stomach muscles contract less frequently. Common symptomsof gastroparesis include nausea, vomiting, a feeling of fullness afteronly a few bites of food, bloating, and excessive belching.

Gastroparesis is caused by either diseases of the stomach muscles or thenerves that control these muscles. It is commonly associated withdiabetes mellitus, which damages the nerves controlling the stomachmuscle. Other causes include nervous reflexes, imbalance of potassium,calcium or magnesium, certain medications and certain diseases. Scarsand fibrous tissue from ulcers and tumors that block the outlet of thestomach can mimic gastroparesis.

Gastroparesis is diagnosed based on symptoms and physical examination. Agastric emptying study is the most common method to measure the emptyingof food from the stomach. An Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy test isanother common examination to exclude the possibility of an obstructionas the cause of the patient's symptoms. An antro-duodenal motility studymeasures the pressure that is generated by the contractions of thestomach and intestinal muscles. Another test is an electrogastrogram(EGG), which records the electrical signals that travel through thestomach muscles and control the muscles' contractions. The electricalsignals normally precede each contraction. In most patients, the rhythmof the electrical signals is either irregular or there is no post-mealincrease in electrical power. Although an EGG does not measure gastricemptying directly, it is an attractive test for suspected gastroparesis.

Currently available medications treat gastroparesis by stimulating thestomach to contract more normally. Metoclopramide is an effectivemedication that has side effects such as restlessness, fatigue,agitation and depression. Another drug is domperidone, which has notbeen approved in the United States. The third drug is erythromycin,which stimulates short bursts of strong contractions that are more likethe contractions that sweep undigested food into the colon than regulardigestive contractions. Like erythromycin, octreotide, a hormone-likedrug, can be injected underneath the skin to stimulate short bursts ofstrong contraction. The last resort is surgery, which is occasionallyused to create a larger opening between the stomach and the smallintestine in order to facilitate the process of emptying the stomach.

Gastroparesis may become worse with time. Motility disorders of themuscles of the small intestine and colon make gastroparesis difficult totreat. There remains a need for an effective treatment forgastroparesis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based on the discovery that certain yeast cells can beactivated by electromagnetic fields having specific frequencies andfield strengths to produce substances useful in treating gastroparesis.Compositions comprising these activated yeast cells can therefore beused as medication, or dietary supplements in the form of health drinksor dietary pills (tablets or powder). For instance, these compositionscan be used to alleviate gastroparesis symptoms in a human patient, orto prevent or postpone the onset of gastroparesis in a high riskindividual (e.g., someone predisposed to gastroparesis because of hishealth or life style).

This invention embraces a composition comprising a plurality of yeastcells that have been cultured in an alternating electric field having afrequency in the range of about 9500 to 13500 MHz (e.g., 9500–10500,11700–12700 and 12200–13200 MHz) and a field strength in the range ofabout 200–450 mV/cm (e.g., 235–255, 240–260, 250–270, 255–275, 265–285,275–295, 280–300, 290–310, 290–320, 330–350 and 360–380 mV/cm). Theyeast cells are cultured for a period of time sufficient to activatesaid plurality of yeast cells to produce substances useful in treatinggastroparesis in a subject. In one embodiment, the frequency and/or thefield strength of the alternating electric field can be altered withinthe aforementioned ranges during said period of time. In other words,the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagnetic fields. Anexemplary period of time is about 10–50 hours.

Also included in this invention is a composition comprising a pluralityof yeast cells that have been cultured under acidic conditions in analternating electric field having a frequency in the range of about10010-12800 MHz (e.g., 12600–12780 MHz) and a field strength in therange of about 235 to 380 mV/cm (e.g., 280–330 mV/cm). In oneembodiment, the yeast cells are exposed to a series of electromagneticfields. An exemplary period of time is about 10–100 hours.

Yeast cells that can be included in this composition can be derived fromparent strains available from the China General Microbiological CultureCollection Center (“CGMCC”), China Committee for Culture Collection ofMicroorganisms, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences,Haidian, P.O. Box 2714, Beijing, 100080, China. Useful yeast speciesinclude, but are not limited to, those commonly used in food andpharmaceutical industries, such as Saccharomyces sp.,Schizosaccharomyces pombe, Saccharomyces sake, Saccharomyces uvarum,Saccharomyces rouxii, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomycescarlsbergensis, Rhodotorula aurantiaca and Rhodotorula rubar. Forinstance, the yeast cells can be of the strain Saccharomyces cerevisiaeHansen AS2.559, Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311, Schizosaccharomyces pombeLindner AS2.994, Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarumBeijer IFFI1044, Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.180, Saccharomycescerevisiae Hansen Var. ellipsoideus AS2.612, Saccharomycescarlsbergensis Hansen AS2.377, Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.282and Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.69. Other useful yeast strainsare illustrated in Table 1.

This invention further embraces a composition comprising a plurality ofyeast cells, wherein said plurality of yeast cells have been activatedto treat gastroparesis in a subject. Included in this invention are alsomethods of making these compositions.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Exemplary methods and materialsare described below, although methods and materials similar orequivalent to those described herein can also be used in the practice ortesting of the present invention. All publications and other referencesmentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. Incase of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, willcontrol. The materials, methods, and examples are illustrative only andnot intended to be limiting. Throughout this specification and claims,the word “comprise,” or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or groupof integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group ofintegers. A subject includes a human and veterinary subject.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus foractivating yeast cells using electromagnetic fields. 1: yeast culture;2: container; 3: power supply.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary apparatus for makingyeast compositions of the invention. The apparatus comprises a signalgenerator and interconnected containers A, B and C.

FIG. 3 shows representative EGGs. A represents an electrogastrogram ofrabbits before feeding; B represents an electrogastrogram of rabbits inthe AY group at 60 minutes after feeding; C represents anelectrogastrogram of rabbits in the NY group at 60 minutes afterfeeding; and D represents an electrogastrogram of rabbits in the CKgroup at 60 minutes after feeding.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention is based on the discovery that certain yeast strains canbe activated by electromagnetic fields (“EMF”) having specificfrequencies and field strengths to become highly efficient in producingsubstances that increase the bioelectrical activities of the stomach,reduce abnormal gastric acid secretion and/or abnormal pepsin productionin a subject. Compositions containing these activated yeast cells aretherefore useful in the treatment of gastroparesis. Yeast compositionscontaining activated yeast cells can be used as medication or dietarysupplements.

Since the activated yeast cells contained in the yeast compositions havebeen cultured to endure acidic conditions (pH 2.5–4.2), these cells cansurvive the gastric environment and pass on to the intestines. Once inthe intestines, the yeast cells are ruptured by various digestiveenzymes, and the anti-gastroparesis substances are released and readilyabsorbed.

I. Yeast Strains Useful in the Invention

The types of yeasts useful in this invention include, but are notlimited to, yeasts of the genera Saccharomyces, Schizosaccharomyces, andRhodotorula.

Exemplary species within the above-listed genera include, but are notlimited to, those illustrated in Table 1. Yeast strains useful for thisinvention can be obtained from laboratory cultures, or from publicallyaccessible culture depositories, such as CGMCC and the American TypeCulture Collection, 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va.20110–2209. Non-limiting examples of useful strains (with accessionnumbers of CGMCC) are Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.559Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311, Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner AS2.994,Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045, Saccharomyces uvarum Beijer IFFI1044,Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.180, Saccharomyces cerevisiae HansenVar. ellipsoideus AS2.612, Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.377,Rhodotorula rubar (Demme) Lodder AS2.282 and Saccharomyces cerevisiaeHansen AS2.69. Other useful yeast strains are illustrated in Table 1.

Although it is preferred, the preparation of the yeast compositions ofthis invention is not limited to starting with a pure strain of yeast. Ayeast composition of the invention may be produced by culturing amixture of yeast cells of different species or strains. The ability ofany activated species or strain of yeasts to treat gastroparesis can bereadily tested by methods known in the art. See, for instance, Examples1 and 2.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Yeast Strains Saccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen ACCC2034ACCC2035 ACCC2036 ACCC2037 ACCC2038 ACCC2039 ACCC2040 ACCC2041 ACCC2042AS2.1 AS2.4 AS2.11 AS2.14 AS2.16 AS2.56 AS2.69 AS2.70 AS2.93 AS2.98AS2.101 AS2.109 AS2.110 AS2.112 AS2.139 AS2.173 AS2.174 AS2.182 AS2.196AS2.242 AS2.336 AS2.346 AS2.369 AS2.374 AS2.375 AS2.379 AS2.380 AS2.382AS2.390 AS2.393 AS2.395 AS2.396 AS2.397 AS2.398 AS2.399 AS2.400 AS2.406AS2.408 AS2.409 AS2.413 AS2.414 AS2.415 AS2.416 AS2.422 AS2.423 AS2.430AS2.431 AS2.432 AS2.451 AS2.452 AS2.453 AS2.458 AS2.460 AS2.463 AS2.467AS2.486 AS2.501 AS2.502 AS2.503 AS2.504 AS2.516 AS2.535 AS2.536 AS2.558AS2.560 AS2.561 AS2.562 AS2.576 AS2.593 AS2.594 AS2.614 AS2.620 AS2.628AS2.631 AS2.666 AS2.982 AS2.1190 AS2.1364 AS2.1396 IFFI1001 IFFI1002IFFI1005 IFFI1006 IFFI1008 IFFI1009 IFFI1010 IFFI1012 IFFI1021 IFFI1027IFFI1037 IFFI1042 IFFI1043 IFFI1045 IFFI1048 IFFI1049 IFFI1050 IFFI1052IFFI1059 IFFI1060 IFFI1062 IFFI1063 IFFI1202 IFFI1203 IFFI1206 IFFI1209IFFI1210 IFFI1211 IFFI1212 IFFI1213 IFFI1214 IFFI1215 IFFI1220 IFFI1221IFFI1224 IFFI1247 IFFI1248 IFFI1251 IFFI1270 IFFI1277 IFFI1287 IFFI1289IFFI1290 IFFI1291 IFFI1292 IFFI1293 IFFI1297 IFFI1300 IFFI1301 IFFI1302IFFI1307 IFFI1308 IFFI1309 IFFI1310 IFFI1311 IFFI1331 IFFI1335 IFFI1336IFFI1337 IFFI1338 IFFI1339 IFFI1340 IFFI1345 IFFI1348 IFFI1396 IFFI1397IFFI1399 IFFI1411 IFFI1413 IFFI1441 IFFI1443 Saccharomyces cerevisiaeHansen Var. ellipsoideus (Hansen) Dekker ACCC2043 AS2.2 AS2.3 AS2.8AS2.53 AS2.163 AS2.168 AS2.483 AS2.541 AS2.559 AS2.606 AS2.607 AS2.611AS2.612 Saccharomyces chevalieri Guilliermond AS2.131 AS2.213Saccharomyces delbrueckii AS2.285 Saccharomyces delbrueckii Lindner ver.mongolicus (Saito) Lodder et van Rij AS2.209 AS2.1157 Saccharomycesexiguous Hansen AS2.349 AS2.1158 Saccharomyces fermentati (Saito) Lodderet van Rij AS2.286 AS2.343 Saccharomyces logos van laer et Denamur exJorgensen AS2.156 AS2.327 AS2.335 Saccharomyces mellis (Fabian etQuinet) Lodder et kreger van Rij AS2.195 Saccharomyces mellisMicroellipsoides Osterwalder AS2.699 Saccharomyces oviformis OsteralderAS2.100 Saccharomyces rosei (Guilliermond) Lodder et Kreger van RijAS2.287 Saccharomyces rouxii Boutroux AS2.178 AS2.180 AS2.370 AS2.371Saccharomyces sake Yabe ACCC2045 Candida arborea AS2.566 Candida lambica(Lindner et Genoud) van. Uden et Buckley AS2.1182 Candida krusei(Castellani) Berkhout AS2.1045 Candida lipolytica (Harrison) Diddens etLodder AS2.1207 AS2.1216 AS2.1220 AS2.1379 AS2.1398 AS2.1399 AS2.1400Candida parapsilosis (Ashford) Langeron et Talice Var. intermedia VanRij et Verona AS2.491 Candida parapsilosis (Ashford) Langeron et TaliceAS2.590 Candida pulcherrima (Lindner) Windisch AS2.492 Candida rugousa(Anderson) Diddens et Lodder AS2.511 AS2.1367 AS2.1369 AS2.1372 AS2.1373AS2.1377 AS2.1378 AS2.1384 Candida tropicalis (Castellani) BerkhoutACCC2004 ACCC2005 ACCC2006 AS2.164 AS2.402 AS2.564 AS2.565 AS2.567AS2.568 AS2.617 AS2.637 AS2.1387 AS2.1397 Candida utilis HennebergLodder et Kreger Van Rij AS2.120 AS2.281 AS2.1180 Crebrothecium ashbyii(Guillermond) Routein (Eremothecium ashbyii Guilliermond) AS2.481AS2.482 AS2.1197 Geotrichum candidum Link ACCC2016 AS2.361 AS2.498AS2.616 AS2.1035 AS2.1062 AS2.1080 AS2.1132 AS2.1175 AS2.1183 Hansenulaanomala (Hansen)H et P sydow ACCC2018 AS2.294 AS2.295 AS2.296 AS2.297AS2.298 AS2.299 AS2.300 AS2.302 AS2.338 AS2.339 AS2.340 AS2.341 AS2.470AS2.592 AS2.641 AS2.642 AS2.782 AS2.635 AS2.794 Hansenula arabitolgensFang AS2.887 Hansenula jadinii (A. et R Sartory Weill et Meyer)Wickerham ACCC2019 Hansenula saturnus (Klocker) H et P sydow ACCC2020Hansenula schneggii (Weber) Dekker AS2.304 Hansenula subpelliculosaBedford AS2.740 AS2.760 AS2.761 AS2.770 AS2.783 AS2.790 AS2.798 AS2.866Kloeckera apiculata (Reess emend. Klocker) Janke ACCC2022 ACCC2023AS2.197 AS2.496 AS2.714 ACCC2021 AS2.711 Lipomycess starkeyi Lodder etvan Rij AS2.1390 ACCC2024 Pichia farinosa (Lindner) Hansen ACCC2025ACCC2026 AS2.86 AS2.87 AS2.705 AS2.803 Pichia membranaefaciens HansenACCC2027 AS2.89 AS2.661 AS2.1039 Rhodosporidium toruloides BannoACCC2028 Rhodotorula glutinis (Fresenius) Harrison AS2.2029 AS2.280ACCC2030 AS2.102 AS2.107 AS2.278 AS2.499 AS2.694 AS2.703 AS2.704AS2.1146 Rhodotorula minuta (Saito) Harrison AS2.277 Rhodotorula rubar(Demme) Lodder AS2.21 AS2.22 AS2.103 AS2.105 AS2.108 AS2.140 AS2.166AS2.167 AS2.272 AS2.279 AS2.282 ACCC2031 Rhodotorula aurantiaca (Saito)Lodder AS2.102 AS2.107 AS2.278 AS2.499 AS2.694 AS2.703 AS2.1146Saccharomyces carlsbergensis Hansen AS2.113 ACCC2032 ACCC2033 AS2.312AS2.116 AS2.118 AS2.121 AS2.132 AS2.162 AS2.189 AS2.200 AS2.216 AS2.265AS2.377 AS2.417 AS2.420 AS2.440 AS2.441 AS2.443 AS2.444 AS2.459 AS2.595AS2.605 AS2.638 AS2.742 AS2.745 AS2.748 AS2.1042 Saccharomyces uvarumBeijer IFFI1023 IFFI1032 IFFI1036 IFFI1044 IFFI1072 IFFI1205 IFFI1207Saccharomyces willianus Saccardo AS2.5 AS2.7 AS2.119 AS2.152 AS2.293AS2.381 AS2.392 AS2.434 AS2.614 AS2.1189 Saccharomyces sp. AS2.311Saccharomycodes ludwigii Hansen ACCC2044 AS2.243 AS2.508 Saccharomycodessinenses Yue AS2.1395 Schizosaccharomyces octosporus Beijerinck ACCC2046AS2.1148 Schizosaccharomyces pombe Lindner ACCC2047 ACCC2048 AS2.214AS2.248 AS2.249 AS2.255 AS2.257 AS2.259 AS2.260 AS2.274 AS2.994 AS2.1043AS2.1149 AS2.1178 IFFI1056 Sporobolomyces roseus Kluyver et van NielACCC2049 ACCC2050 AS2.19 AS2.962 AS2.1036 ACCC2051 AS2.261 AS2.262Torulopsis candida (Saito) Lodder AS2.270 ACCC2052 Torulopsis famta(Harrison) Lodder et van Rij ACCC2053 AS2.685 Torulopsis globosa (Olsonet Hammer) Lodder et van Rij ACCC2054 AS2.202 Torulopsis inconspicuaLodder et Kreger van Rij AS2.75 Trichosporon behrendii Lodder et Kregervan Rij ACCC2056 AS2.1193 Trichosporon capitatum Diddens et LodderACCC2056 AS2.1385 Trichosporon cutaneum (de Beurm et al.) Ota ACCC2057AS2.25 AS2.570 AS2.571 AS2.1374 Wickerhamia fluorescens (Soneda) SonedaACCC2058 AS2.1388II. Application of Electromagnetic Fields

An electromagnetic field useful in this invention can be generated andapplied by various means well known in the art. For instance, the EMFcan be generated by applying an alternating electric field or anoscillating magnetic field.

Alternating electric fields can be applied to cell cultures throughelectrodes in direct contact with the culture medium, or throughelectromagnetic induction. See, e.g., FIG. 1. Relatively high electricfields in the medium can be generated using a method in which theelectrodes are in contact with the medium. Care must be taken to preventelectrolysis at the electrodes from introducing undesired ions into theculture and to prevent contact resistance, bubbles, or other features ofelectrolysis from dropping the field level below that intended.Electrodes should be matched to their environment, for example, usingAg-AgCl electrodes in solutions rich in chloride ions, and run at as lowa voltage as possible. For general review, see Goodman et al., Effectsof EMF on Molecules and Cells, International Review of Cytology, ASurvey of Cell Biology, Vol. 158, Academic Press, 1995.

The EMFs useful in this invention can also be generated by applying anoscillating magnetic field. An oscillating magnetic field can begenerated by oscillating electric currents going through Helmholtzcoils. Such a magnetic field in turn induces an electric field.

The frequencies of EMFs useful in this invention range from about 9500to 13500 MHz (e.g., 9500–10500, 11700–12700 and 12200–13200 MHz).Exemplary frequencies are 10012, 10038, 12177, 12712 and 12733 MHz. Thefield strength of the electric field useful in this invention rangesfrom about 200–450 mV/cm (e.g., 235–255, 240–260, 250–270, 255–275,265–285, 275–295, 280–300, 290–310, 290–320, 330–350 and 360–380 mV/cm).Exemplary field strengths are 253, 255, 260, 277, 279, 280, 290, 293,294, 314, 343 and 364 mV/cm.

When a series of EMFs are applied to a yeast culture, the yeast culturecan remain in the same container while the same set of EMF generator andemitters is used to change the frequency and/or field strength. The EMFsin the series can each have a different frequency or a different fieldstrength; or a different frequency and a different field strength. Suchfrequencies and field strengths are preferably within theabove-described ranges. Although any practical number of EMFs can beused in a series, it may be preferred that the yeast culture be exposedto a total of, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 ormore EMFs in a series. In one embodiment, the yeast culture is exposedto a series of EMFs, wherein the frequency of the electric field isalternated in the range of 9500–10500, 11700–12700 and 12200–13200 MHz.

Although the yeast cells can be activated after even a few hours ofculturing in the presence of an EMF, it may be preferred that theactivated yeast cells be allowed to multiply and grow in the presence ofthe EMF(s) for a total of 10–50 hours.

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary apparatus for generating alternatingelectric fields. An electric field of a desired frequency and intensityis generated by an AC source (3) capable of generating an alternatingelectric field, preferably in a sinusoidal wave form, in the frequencyrange of 10 to 20,000 MHz. Signal generators capable of generatingsignals with a narrower frequency range can also be used. If desirable,a signal amplifier can also be used to increase the output. Theactivation container (2) can be made from non-conductive material, e.g.,plastics, glass or ceramic. The wire connecting the activation container(2) and the signal generator (3) is preferably a high frequency coaxialcable with a transmission frequency of at least 30 GHz.

The alternating electric field can be applied to the culture by avariety of means, including placing the yeast culture (1) in closeproximity to the signal emitters such as a metal wire or tube capable oftransmitting EMFs. The metal wire or tube can be made of red copper, andbe placed inside the container (2), reaching as deep as 3–30 cm. Forexample, if the fluid in the container (2) has a depth of 15–20 cm,20–30 cm, 30–50 cm, 50–70 cm, 70–100 cm, 100–150 c 150–200 cm, the metalwire can be 3–5 cm, 5–7 cm, 7–10 cm, 10–15 cm, 15–20 20–30 cm and 25–30cm from the bottom of the container (2), respectively. The number ofelectrode wires used depends on the volume of the culture as well as thediameter of the wires. The number of metal wires/tubes used can be from1 to 10 (e.g., 2 to 3). It is recommended, though not mandated, that fora culture having a volume up to 10 L, metal wires/tubes having adiameter of 0.5 to 2.0 mm be used. For a culture having a volume between10 L and 100 L, metal wires/tubes having a diameter of 3.0 to 5.0 mm canbe used. For a culture having a volume in the range of 100–1000 L, metalwires/tubes having a diameter of 6.0 to 15.0 mm can be used. For aculture having a volume greater than 1000 L, metal wires/tubes having adiameter of 20.0 to 25.0 mm can be used.

In one embodiment, the electric field is applied by electrodes submergedin the culture (1). In this embodiment, one of the electrodes can be ametal plate placed on the bottom of the container (2), and the otherelectrode can comprise a plurality of electrode wires evenly distributedin the culture (1) so as to achieve even distribution of the electricfield energy. The number of electrode wires used depends on the volumeof the culture as well as the diameter of the wires.

III. Culture Media

Culture media useful in this invention contain sources of nutrientsassimilable by yeast cells. Complex carbon-containing substances in asuitable form, such as carbohydrates (e.g., sucrose, glucose, fructose,dextrose, maltose, xylose, cellulose, starches, etc.) and coal, can bethe carbon sources for yeast cells. The exact quantity of the carbonsources utilized in the medium can be adjusted in accordance with theother ingredients of the medium. In general, the amount of carbohydratesvaries between about 0.1% and 10% by weight of the medium and preferablybetween about 0.1% and 5% (e.g., about 2%). These carbon sources can beused individually or in combination. Amino acid-containing substances insuitable form (e.g., beef extract and peptone) can also be addedindividually or in combination. In general, the amount of amino acidcontaining substances varies between about 0.1% and 0.5% by weight ofthe medium and preferably between about 0.1% and 0.3% (e.g., about0.25%). Among the inorganic salts which can be added to the culturemedium are the customary salts capable of yielding sodium, potassium,calcium, phosphate, sulfate, carbonate, and like ions. Non-limitingexamples of nutrient inorganic salts are (NH₄)₂HPO₄, KH₂PO₄, K₂HPO₄,CaCO₃, MgSO₄, NaCl, and CaSO₄.

IV. Electromagnetic Activation of Yeast Cells

To activate or enhance the ability of yeast cells to produce substancesbeneficial for the treatment of gastroparesis (e.g., stimulating stomachcontraction), these cells can be activated by being cultured in anappropriate medium under sterile conditions at 20° C.–38° C., preferablyat 28–32° C. (e.g., 30° C.) for a sufficient amount of time, e.g., 10–50hours, in an alternating electric field or a series of alternatingelectric fields as described above.

An exemplary culture medium is made by mixing 1000 ml of distilled waterwith 18 g of mannitol, 20 μg of vitamin B₁₂, 40 μg of vitamin B₆, 10 μgof vitamin D, 35 ml of fetal bovine serum, 0.20 g of KH₂PO₄, 0.25 g ofMgSO₄. 7H₂O, 0.3 g of NaCl, 0.2 g of CaSO₄. 2H₂O, 4.0 g of CaCO₃. 5H₂O,and 2.5 g of peptone.

An exemplary set-up of the culturing process is depicted in FIG. 1.Untreated yeast cells are added to a culture medium at 1×10⁸ cells per1000 ml of the culture medium. The yeast cells may be Saccharomycescerevisiae Hansen AS2.559, or may be selected from any of the strainslisted in Table 1. An exemplary activation process of the yeast cellsinvolves the following sequence: the yeast cells are grown in theculture medium for 23–43 hours (e.g., 28 hours) at 28–32° C. and thenexposed to (1) an alternating electric field having a frequency of 10012MHz and a field strength in the range of 240–260 mV/cm (e.g., 255 mV/cm)for 7–17 hours (e.g., 12 hours); (2) then to an alternating electricfield having a frequency of 10038 MHz and a field strength in the rangeof 235–255 mV/cm (e.g., 253 mV/cm) for 31–41 hours (e.g., 36 hours); (3)then to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12177 MHzand a field strength in the range of 265–285 mV/cm (e.g., 277 mV/cm) for36–46 hours (e.g., 41 hours); (4) then to an alternating electric fieldhaving a frequency of 12712 MHz and a field strength in the range of290–310 mV/cm (e.g., 294 mV/cm) for 20–30 hours (e.g., 25 hours); and(5) finally to an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12733MHz and a field strength in the range of 255–275 mV/cm (e.g., 260 mV/cm)for 10–20 hours (e.g., 15 hours). The activated yeast cells are thenrecovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the art,dried (e.g., by lyophilization) and stored at about 4° C. in powderform. The resultant yeast powder preferably contains no less than 10¹⁰cells/g activated yeast.

Subsequently, the activated yeast cells can be evaluated for theirability to treat gastroparesis using standard methods known in the art,such as those described in Section VII.

V. Acclimatization of Yeast Cells to the Gastric Environment

Because the activated yeast cells of this invention must pass throughthe stomach before reaching the small intestine, where the effectivecomponents are released from these yeast cells, it is preferred thatthese yeasts be cultured under acidic conditions so as to acclimatizethe cells to the gastric juice. This acclimatization process results inbetter viability of the yeast cells in the acidic gastric environment.

To achieve this, the yeast powder containing activated yeast cells canbe mixed with a highly acidic acclimatizing culture medium at 10 g(containing more than 10¹⁰ activated cells per gram) per 1000 ml. Theyeast mixture can then be cultured first in the presence of analternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and a fieldstrength in the range of 290–320 mV/cm (e.g., 314 mV/cm) at about 28 to32° C. for 36–42 hours (e.g., 38 hours). The resultant yeast cells canthen be further incubated in the presence of an alternating electricfield having a frequency of 12733 MHz and a field strength in the rangeof 275–295 mV/cm (e.g., 290 mV/cm) at about 28 to 32° C. for 16–28 hours(e.g., 20 hours). The resulting acclimatized yeast cells are thenrecovered from the culture medium by various methods known in the artand are dried and stored either in powder form (≧10¹⁰ cells/g) at roomtemperature or in vacuum at 0–4° C.

An exemplary acclimatizing culture medium is made by mixing 700 ml freshpig gastric juice and 300 ml wild Chinese hawthorn extract. The pH ofacclimatizing culture medium is adjusted to 2.5 with 0.1 M hydrochloricacid (HCl) and 0.2 M potassium hydrogen phthalate (C₆H₄(COOK)COOH). Thefresh pig gastric juice is prepared as follows. At about 4 months ofage, newborn Holland white pigs are sacrificed, and the entire contentsof their stomachs are retrieved and mixed with 2000 ml of water understerile conditions. The mixture is then allowed to stand for 6 hours at4° C. under sterile conditions to precipitate food debris. Thesupernatant is collected for use in the acclimatizing culture medium. Toprepare the wild Chinese hawthorn extract, 500 g of fresh wild Chinesehawthorn is dried under sterile conditions to reduce water content(≦8%). The dried fruit is then ground (≧20 mesh) and added to 1500 ml ofsterile water. The hawthorn slurry is allowed to stand for 6 hours at 4°C. under sterile conditions. The hawthorn supernatant is collected to beused in the acclimatizing culture medium.

VI. Manufacture of Yeast Compositions

To prepare the yeast compositions of the invention, an apparatusdepicted in FIG. 2 or an equivalent thereof can be used. This apparatusincludes three containers, a first container (A), a second container(B), and a third container (C), each equipped with a pair of electrodes(4). One of the electrodes is a metal plate placed on the bottom of thecontainers, and the other electrode comprises a plurality of electrodewires evenly distributed in the space within the container to achieveeven distribution of the electric field energy. All three pairs ofelectrodes are connected to a common signal generator.

The culture medium used for this purpose is a mixed fruit extractsolution containing the following ingredients per 1000 L: 300 L of wildChinese hawthorn extract, 300 L of jujube extract, 300 L of Schisandrachinensis (Turez) Baill seeds extract, and 100 L of soy bean extract. Toprepare hawthorn, jujube and Schisandra chinensis (Turez) Baill seedsextracts, the fresh fruits are washed and dried under sterile conditionsto reduce the water content to no higher than 8%. One hundred kilogramsof the dried fruits are then ground (≧20 mesh) and added to 400 L ofsterilized water. The mixtures are stirred under sterile conditions atroom temperature for twelve hours, and then centrifuged at 1000 rpm toremove insoluble residues. To make the soy bean extract, fresh soy beansare washed and dried under sterile conditions to reduce the watercontent to no higher than 8%. Thirty kilograms of dried soy beans arethen ground into particles of no smaller than 20 mesh, and added to 130L of sterilized water. The mixture is stirred under sterile conditionsat room temperature for twelve hours and centrifuged at 1000 rpm toremove insoluble residues. Once the mixed fruit extract solution isprepared, it is autoclaved at 121° C. for 30 minutes and cooled to below40° C. before use.

One thousand grams of the activated yeast powder prepared as describedabove (Section V, supra) is added to 1000 L of the mixed fruit extractsolution, and the yeast solution is transferred to the first container(A) shown in FIG. 2. The yeast cells are then cultured in the presenceof an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and afield strength of about 360–380 mV/cm (e.g., 364 mV/cm) at 28–32° C.under sterile conditions for 19–29 hours (e.g., 24 hours). The yeastcells are further incubated in an alternating electric field having afrequency of 12733 MHz and a field strength of 280–300 mV/cm (e.g., 293mV/cm). The culturing continues for 7–17 hours (e.g., 12 hours).

The yeast culture is then transferred from the first container (A) tothe second container (B) (if need be, a new batch of yeast culture canbe started in the now available the first container (A)), and subjectedto an alternating electric field having a frequency of 12712 MHz and afield strength of 265–285 mV/cm (e.g., 279 mV/cm) for 19–29 hours (e.g.,24 hours). Subsequently the frequency and field strength of the electricfield are changed to 12733 MHz and 250–270 mV/cm (e.g., 260 mV/cm),respectively. The culturing process continues for 7–17 hours (e.g., 12hours).

The yeast culture is then transferred from the second container (B) tothe third container (C), and subjected to an alternating electric fieldhaving a frequency of 12712 MHz and a field strength of 265–285 mV/cm(e.g., 279 mV/cm) for 19–29 hours (e.g., 24 hours). Subsequently thefrequency and field strength of the electric field are changed to 12733MHz and 250–270 mV/cm (e.g., 260 mV/cm), respectively. The culturingcontinues for 7–17 hours (e.g., 12 hours).

The yeast culture from the third container (C) can then be packaged intovacuum sealed bottles for use as dietary supplement or medication. Thecompositions may be conveniently formulated as health drinks. Ifdesired, the final yeast culture can also be dried within 24 hours andstored in powder form. The dietary supplement or medication can be takenthree to four times daily at 30˜50 ml or 100 ml per bottle for athree-month period (preferably a six-month period), preferably 10–30minutes before meals and at bedtime.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the invention can also beadministered intravenously or peritoneally in the form of a sterileinjectable preparation. Such a sterile preparation can be prepared asfollows. A sterilized health drink composition is first treated underultrasound (≧18000 Hz) for 10 minutes and then centrifuged at 4355 rpmfor another 10 minutes. The resulting supernatant is adjusted to pH7.2–7.4 using 1 M NaOH and subsequently filtered through a membrane(0.22 μm for intravenous injection and 0.45 μm for peritoneal injection)under sterile conditions. The resulting sterile preparation is submergedin a 35–38° C. water bath for 30 minutes before use. In otherembodiments, the compositions of the invention may also be formulatedwith pharmaceutically acceptable carriers to be orally administered inany orally acceptable dosage form including, but not limited to,capsules, tablets, suspensions or solutions.

The yeast compositions of the present invention are derived from yeastsused in food and pharmaceutical industries. The yeast compositions arethus devoid of side effects associated with many pharmaceuticalcompounds.

VII. Examples

In order that this invention be more fully understood, the followingexamples are set forth. These examples are for the purpose ofillustration only and are not to be construed as limiting the scope ofthe invention in any way.

The activated yeast compositions used in the following examples wereprepared as described above, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae HansenAS2.559, cultured in the presence of an alternating electric fieldhaving the electric field frequency and field strength exemplified inthe parentheses following the recommended ranges listed in Section IV,supra. Control (i.e., untreated) yeast compositions were those preparedin the same manner as described in Section IV, supra, except that theyeast cells were cultured in the absence of EMFs. Unless otherwisespecified, all compositions of interest were administered to the animalsby intragastric feeding.

Example 1

Effects of Yeast Compositions on Stomach Contraction

To test the ability of the activated yeast compositions to stimulatestomach contraction, thirty domestic rabbits (Oryctolagus curiculus) ofaverage weight of about 2.0±0.2 kg (3–5 months old, half of them maleand the other half female) were fasted for 16 hours and subsequentlyrandomly divided into three groups, designated as AY, NY and CK.

Each rabbit was anesthetized by injection of 0.8 ml of a 2.5 g/dlpentobarbital solution through its marginal ear vein. A No. 10 urinarycatheter was inserted into the stomach of the rabbit through its mouth(about 22 cm from its teeth) for feeding. See, e.g., Zhu Yu et al.,Eds., Animal Disease Models, Tian Jin Science and Technology TranslationPublishing Company (1997).

Each rabbit was then placed in a supine position on a rabbit board. Thefur around the xiphoid process or ensisternum was shaved and the exposedskin was rubbed with 95% alcohol to remove surface oil. An electrode wasplaced onto the rabbit's abdomen over the gastric antrum, which wasabout 1 cm below and 1 cm to the left of xiphoid process. Anotherelectrode was placed over the stomach, which was about 1 cm below and 1cm to the right of xiphoid process. An electrogastrogram (EGG) was takenfor 5 to 10 minutes first over gastric antrum and then over the stomachbefore the rabbits were fed.

Rabbits in the AY group were each given 2 ml of the activated yeastcomposition. Rabbits in the NY group were each given 2 ml of the controlyeast composition. Rabbits in the CK group were each given 2 ml ofsaline. The rabbits in all three groups were otherwise maintained underthe same conditions. An EGG was taken for each rabbit, first over thegastric antrum and then over the stomach, at 30 minutes and 60 minutesafter feeding.

A representative EGG before and after feeding for rabbits in each groupis shown in FIG. 3. The average frequency (1/min.) and intensity (μV) ofelectrical signals recorded on EGGs over a period of 3 to 5 minutes aresummarized in Table 2a and Table 2b, respectively.

TABLE 2a Effects of Treatment on the Frequency of Electrical SignalsTime Gastric Antrum Stomach (min.) AY NY CK AY NY CK 0 2.7 ± 0.6 2.8 ±0.5 2.8 ± 0.6 2.1 ± 0.5 2.3 ± 0.6 2.4 ± 0.5 30 2.6 ± 0.7 2.7 ± 0.5 2.7 ±0.8 2.4 ± 0.5 1.8 ± 0.6 1.9 ± 0.7 60 2.9 ± 0.2 2.7 ± 0.7 2.7 ± 0.6 2.1 ±0.4 2.7 ± 0.5 2.7 ± 0.7

TABLE 2b Effects of Treatment on the Intensity of Electrical SignalsTime Gastric Antrum Stomach (min.) AY NY CK AY NY CK 0 112 ± 67.6 107 ±59.8 115 ± 71.2 29.3 ± 9.7  23.7 ± 10.6 25.8 ± 11.3 30 242 ± 37.6 122 ±32.5 127 ± 33.8 52.5 ± 22.6 31.1 ± 1.1  30.2 ± 0.8  60 157 ± 17.3 121 ±39.6 125 ± 41.8 58.4 ± 10.6 24.6 ± 0.7  25.4 ± 0.5 

The above results show that unlike the control yeast composition orsaline, the activated yeast composition could stimulate the stomach tocontract by increasing the intensity of the electrical signals over boththe gastric antrum and the stomach.

Example 2

Effects of the Treatment on Gastric Acid and Pepsin

Thirty Wistar rats of average weight of about 180–200 g (4–6 months old)were randomly divided into three equal groups. Rats in the AY group wereadministered 2 ml of the activated yeast composition once daily for fivedays. Rats in the NY and CK groups were given 2 ml of the control yeastcomposition and saline once daily for five days, respectively. The ratsin all three groups were otherwise maintained under the same conditions.

After the fifth dose of yeast composition was administered to theanimals, the animals were given only water, but no food, for the next 24hours. The rats were then anesthetized with ether. An incision was thenmade in the middle of the abdomen of the animal and the stomach waslocated. The pylorus was then ligated. The activated yeast composition,control yeast composition, and saline were administered at 3 ml/kg bodyweight through the duodenum by injection to rats in the AY, NY and CKgroups, respectively. Then, the incision was stitched. Two hours later,the animals were sacrificed. The whole stomach was removed. The gastriccontents were emptied into a conical centrifuge tube, measured for itsvolume and pH value, and centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes. Thesupernatant was collected.

The pepsin concentration in the gastric juice was determined by the HPLCmethod.

The experimental results are summarized in Table 3 below.

TABLE 3 Effects of Treatment on Secretion of Gastric Acid and PepsinActivity Group Gastric Juice (ml) Gastric Acid (μM) Pepsin Activity (μM)CK 11.2 ± 2.1 1.2 ± 0.5 92.2 ± 23.3 NY 10.7 ± 2.2 1.1 ± 0.4 91.7 ± 22.4AY  4.8 ± 1.8 0.4 ± 0.2 43.6 ± 13.6

These data demonstrate that the activated yeast composition decreasedgastric acid concentration and pepsin activity, as compared to thecontrol yeast composition and saline.

While a number of embodiments of this invention have been set forth, itis apparent that the basic constructions may be altered to provide otherembodiments which utilize the compositions and methods of thisinvention.

1. A composition comprising yeast cells derived from cells ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae Hansen AS2.559, wherein said yeast cellspossess an enhanced ability to treat gastroparesis in a subject, as aresult of having been cultured in the presence of an alternatingelectric field having a frequency in the range of 9500 to 13500 MHz anda field strength in the range of 200 to 450 mV/cm, as compared to yeastcells not having been so cultured.
 2. The composition of claim 1,wherein said frequency is in the range of 9500–10500, 11700–12700 or12200–13200 MHz.
 3. The composition of claim 1, wherein said fieldstrength is in the range of 235–255, 240–260, 250–270, 255–275, 265–285,275–295, 280–300, 290–310, 290–320, 330–350 or 360–380 mV/cm.
 4. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said composition is in the form of atablet, powder, or a health drink.
 5. The composition of claim 3,wherein said composition is in the form of a health drink.
 6. Thecomposition of claim 1, wherein said gastroparesis is associated withdiabetes.
 7. A method for treating gastroparesis in a subject,comprising orally administering to said subject the composition of claim1.